Posts: chienfou | Ugly Hedgehog

dragonfist wrote:

Of the number available what % were down for repair at any given time?

Just came across the answer to your question. 90% mission capable. check it out!

http://breakingdefense.com/2017/02/f-35a-at-red-flag-90-mission-capable-key-systems-up-every-flight/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=42654408&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9-NJ42CXLvEpXuTKutaPu4ckahiWax6SuNxzqS4GyMfQU962rHx9TecXq4QnvxDfzLbOFrUbtpgduXdgtqKngZSCRUzw&_hsmi=42654408

Feb 15, 2017 13:51:04 #

MtnMan wrote:

But they are far too expensive ($130 million each). The pilot's helmet alone is over $400,000! I suspect maintenance costs parallel price.

We'd do better converting f16s to drones ($19 m @).

MtnMan, the next batch is around $100 million. F16 drones will be just as vulnerable as a regular F16 and would be unable to penetrate and silence air defenses.

Feb 15, 2017 13:45:35 #

dragonfist wrote:

Of the number available what % were down for repair at any given time? They may be the greatest thing in the air but they aren't worth squat if it takes too much maintenance to keep them in the air. For our sake I hope they are as good as purported to be but I am a doubting Thomas.

Dragonfist, keep in mind it's still in development. When a new problem is found they usually ground the whole fleet as a precaution for inspection and to learn how widespread the problem may be. It doesn't mean that the whole fleet can't fly

Feb 15, 2017 13:35:54 #

jerryc41 wrote:

Maybe, but I'm doubtful. This plane has been plagued with operational deficiencies all along. I find it hard to believe that it all of a sudden turned into a champ.

Jerry, it also had a high kill ratio in last year's Red flag's exercise.

Feb 15, 2017 13:33:17 #

richosob wrote:

Don't understand why so many people are putting this aircraft down as being way too expensive and that it's not a dominant fighter in the skies. They claim Russian and Chinese planes will dominate the F-35. I think it's a great plane and this exercise proves it.

Rich

This plane can do so much. It's expensive yes, but it's still in development and giving us 15:1 kill ratio. I'll take it.

Feb 15, 2017 13:27:19 #

The elusive search for the perfect daisy :)

jimvanells wrote:

It can be a quest looking for that flower without the bugs, damage fro bugs or sun etc. You have done spectacularly well on this image.

Jim, thanks for your feedback. I'll keep on searching and hope to do it justice when I do find it. :)

Feb 15, 2017 13:24:35 #

The elusive search for the perfect daisy :)

Glad you liked it, Photophile.

Feb 14, 2017 11:27:34 #

The elusive search for the perfect daisy :)

Shot with available light with minor PP (little sharpening and contrast adj). Feedback is welcome.

(Download)

Feb 14, 2017 08:47:27 #

Caught in a Bush Fire.

Dr.Nikon wrote:

As a fireman caught in a huge LA brush and structure fire that burned all the way to Malibu ... , I look at my small scar from time to time and remember how close it came .. my then wife said .., "that's it" .. you quit or I will .. wanting to stay married .., I left the fire dept ...best fun job I ever had ...

So I can relate to your adventure and wonderful pictures ..., thnx so much for sharing ..,

I have as much respect for our firemen and our policemen as I have for those in Armed Forces. You too play your part in keeping our way of life going.

Feb 9, 2017 11:37:21 #

The F-35 had 15:1 kill ratio in latest Red Flag excercise.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a25078/f-35-red-flag-war-games/

Feb 2, 2017 08:43:18 #

sailorsmom wrote:

I can't help you, chienfou, but it's a good shot!

Thanks sailorsmom, glad you like it.

Feb 2, 2017 08:42:07 #

foathog wrote:

bee balm (Monarda) isn't considered a weed.......But it IS invasive.

Thanks Foathog, because I had found it in an uncultivated patch and the flower had not fully bloomed I thought it was a weed. Now I know better. :)

Jan 31, 2017 15:36:55 #

My AM walk.

WOW!!!

Jan 31, 2017 11:33:19 #

angela k wrote:

Glad I could help and it is a beautiful image!! I came from Queens Village, very close to Valley Stream!!
This is a wonderful plant to have in your garden and it grows well in a planter!!

And to think that all these years I've thought of it as a weed. 40 years ago i lived on the border of springfield garden and Rosedale. I still have a friend in Queens village.

Jan 31, 2017 10:58:40 #

angela k wrote:

Really?? I have a huge pot of it and it looks the same! Hmmm....
I'll have to watch this post until you find the name!

Angela K, I think you're right. The ones I found on Google have the flowers in full bloom, while mine is just about to pop open. Thanks again.